I just noticed that I haven’t been writing my annual reflection on my birthday since 27, not because I intentionally flaked.

Okay, that sounds like an excuse.

Every first half of each year after being 27 are definitely harder to navigate. I don’t have whether time nor mental capacity to sit down and reflect on my own birthday. Something always happen.

Being 29 now, I can’t help but notice how in the past seven years, May has been somewhat pivotal to my growth. I don’t know if it’s the Mercury in retrograde or it is some cosmic pattern that weighted upon me, but indeed life has been somewhat a bitch every May. But these past couple of years hit especially different.

This year, I just moved on to another venture, closer to home. So far, I have nothing to say but gratitude and delight. There are so much exciting stuffs I want to try and the team here have been very, and I mean very, accommodating. It saves me quite a few headache actually.

It gets particularly challenging in terms of self-development because I am getting busier. I haven’t got enough time to write for myself, nor to tend to my many side projects. It’s already May and I only got three pieces published, zero zine, and less writing to put out here. Not to mention, my translation and other writings, and also my (supposedly) lit mag.

Not for the lack of trying, though.

I am, frankly, still holding onto my dream to be an academic still. Rather, I have to adapt. My day job requires a lot of me and I am currently content and happy with those demand. I am taking my time regarding language studies. Still reading, steadily. Slowly. I am happy with the professional connections I have been making. Giddy with the possibility, community, opportunity, and the scene that I haven’t been in before. The world—although currently being spacially bound—has gotten vast.

Also, I have been with my girlfriend for two years(!) this May. I am grateful for her, regardless the ups and downs. She makes me want to be a better person. Path ahead will be more challenging for sure.

I have plans, yet I am content. Here is to…thirty!